MANAGER Carl Heeley says Worcester City are benefiting from having two “natural defenders” in Cieron Keane and Tyler Weir on the left flank.

The duo’s blossoming partnership has been a key feature in City’s revival in Vanarama National League North as they have climbed off the bottom to 13th place in the last two months.

Weir and Keane have started 11 of Worcester’s last 14 games together at full-back and on the wing respectively.

Heeley says he has been impressed with the way they have linked up in both defence and attack.

“The beauty is, when teams break on us, they are both natural defenders,” he said.

“Cieron has also got decent pace, he goes past people and whips in a great ball.”

Keane produced a man-of-the match display in City’s last match as he got an assist before hitting the back of the net in a 3-0 win over 10-man Altrincham.

The former Notts County youngster joined the club in the summer to provide competition for Weir at left-back having had plenty of experience in that position.

But, with City struggling to get a win on the board, Heeley opted to play Keane on the wing — and the 20-year-old has not looked back since.

“Cieron is a natural left-back but we decided to have a look at him out wide because he crosses in a great ball and knows his defensive responsibilities,” said Heeley.

“He’s also got a hammer of a left foot so when the ball drops to him he score goals like he did against Altrincham and he has done that a number of times this season.

“He’s been great for us. I am delighted with him.”

As well as scoring his fourth goal of the season with a thumping 25-yard strike against Alty, he also tracked back to help City secure a clean sheet.

Heeley continued: “I think Cieron is one of those lads who just wants to play football, so, if you ask him to play at left-back, out wide or wherever, he is happy to do it for the team.

“That’s a great attitude to have.”

Weir says he also enjoys playing alongside the former Nuneaton Town player.

“I think Cieron and I have been doing well on the left-hand side recently,” the 26-year-old said.

“If I go forward, I know he is sitting in for me, so it works both ways and we have got a good relationship going.”